Question about coolant change on my 1997 GTS with 16k miles

[yzf1999]

Hi guys I’m the new owner of a 1997 Viper GTS with 16k original miles. My question is should immediately change the coolant and hoses seeing how I have no idea when or if the coolant has ever been changed. I know the plug wires are original cuz they have a 4-96 date code. I’ve only driven the car a mile from the transport truck to my house. I let it idle for about 10 minutes and the fan kicked on..don’t know if that’s normal or not. I appreciate your insight on this matter

 

[BoondocSaint]

IMHO, I'm a fan of changing out fluids, knocking out a tune up and starting fresh for piece of mind. I get lazy about dif and transmission fluid, but I don't find those to be as critical as an oil change, coolant flush, plugs, and wires. Check the overall condition of hoses, belt, and pulleys while you're in there. Some folks bleed and change the clutch fluid. Again, I'm lazy, so I just **** out the stuff in the resovoir and toss in some fresh fluid. Last fluid of mention is brake fluid. If you're only cruising you will be fine. If you plan to do heavy braking, then change that stuff for something fresh. Fan kicking on is normal when the motor warms up. Congrats on the new purchase, sounds like you grabbed up a great car.

 

[Bill W]

When I bought my '02 Viper six years ago, there wasn't much maintenance history. I had all fluids replaced. New plugs and wires too. A billet aluminum power steering bracket and pully added as well. I'm sure you'll hear more from others on this forum. Congrats on the car. Oh, and you should check the date codes on the tires.

 

[yzf1999]

Previous owner bought the car from the original owner and upgraded the wheels and put new tires on it. He also put the stripes on it. He owned it about a year and said he put around 50 miles on the car and all he did was change the oil and everything works fine on the car. Im thinking it would be wise to change the fluids before I start driving it…I just can’t believe how beautiful this thing is. Gen 2 is a masterpiece in my eyes.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Congrats !!

I would suggest that you pick up a 1997 Viper Service Manual online...cheap.

In my experience, clutch fluid, diff fluid, and tyranny fluid often get neglected...along with coolant. You might gradually work your way into changing these in the near future.

Since many of "factory fill" fluids have been discontinued by MOPAR, choose your new fluids carefully.

 

[yzf1999]

I bought one on eBay and it’s on the way. YouTube has some videos of people changing the radiator hoses. I know I’m not going to touch the block drain plugs..not wise to try and remove a plug that’s never been touched in almost 30 years.

 

[Goggles Pizano]

Fluids are cheap. Change them. All are easy to do except for the clutch unless the bleeder turns easily. Mine did not and I wasn't going to force it even though I tried. I just emptied the reservoir then stuck a small od hose as far as I could down the line and stucked the rest out. Filled, pumped clutch, stucked out with the hose down the line, repeat.